Meetings have long-term impact

If you haven't already, take time to read Gloria Masoner's and Connie Jo Discoe's articles on the front page about the meetings of the McCook City Council and the Culbertson Board of Education. They are packed with information which will effect the future of this town and region.

The council meeting, which lasted until nearly midnight, held special significance, with decisions setting the stage for expansion of the college and the start of work on the city's new water treatment facility.

At first glance, it might not appear that the approval of a 28-stall parking lot across from the college campus was that big a deal. But it was important for a couple of reasons.

First, the decision showed McCook Community College that the community supports the college's plans to expand. Without additional space, the college would be land-locked, with no room to accommodate more students or programs.

And, second, the vote was significant because it showed the new council's willingness to respond to reasonable public opinion. Earlier the council had rejected the parking lot plan, but college supporters quickly responded, letting the council members know why expanded parking space was essential for continued college growth.

It also was good to see that the McCook City Council is moving methodically ahead on plans to construct a water treatment plant. There were two key steps in that process Monday night, beginning with the council's agreement to enter into negotiations with Jay Hancock for the purchase of 76.85 acres. The site is the location on which the city plans to build the new water treatment plant.

The council also acted to issue nearly $10 million in revenue bonds. About $3.5 million should be immediately available, with the remaining bonds expected to arrive in August of September.

With the site picked and the money starting to flow, it appears, at last, that the water project is ready to take the last steps to reality.

As we ponder future developments, our thoughts are with the citizens of the Culbertson area as they consider what to do about their school district. Should they extend their unification agreement with the Trenton and Stratton districts, or should they join with the Hayes Center or McCook districts?

As districts up and down the valley can tell you, it's a tough decision. No matter what is decided, it's hard to please everyone. But, it is good to see that the Culbertson board is approaching the decision in a deliberate, open-minded fashion. With the educational future of their students at stake, that is the only way to go.